Companion Animals

Companion Cat Feline Infectious Peritonitis Treatment

FIP has been transformed from a fatal disease to a treatable condition by antiviral drugs, representing a major advance in feline welfare.

Key Facts

FIP is caused by a mutated form of feline enteric coronavirus
GS-441524 antiviral treatment achieves remission in over 85% of treated cats
Before antivirals, FIP was 100% fatal after symptom onset
Treatment requires 84 days of daily medication, which can be expensive
Both wet and dry forms of FIP respond to treatment, though neurological FIP is more challenging

Welfare Considerations

Cats with FIP before antivirals suffered progressive organ failure and death within weeks. The availability of effective antiviral treatment has transformed this from a welfare catastrophe to a manageable disease for cats with access to treatment. Access and affordability remain barriers to this welfare advance.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about antiviral treatment if FIP is suspected
Support campaigns for affordable access to FIP antiviral medications
Vaccinate cats to reduce primary coronavirus infection rates